A Russian ship allegedly carrying wheat from occupied Ukrainian territories was not allowed to unload in Israel on Thursday, the Israeli Grain Importers Association reported Thursday.
Israeli wheat importer Zenziper refused to unload the ship due to pressure from Ukraine, it said.
“In light of the circumstances, the grain importing company Zenziper has been forced to turn away the Russian vessel carrying a wheat shipment at the center of the dispute with Ukraine,” the association said. “The Russian supplier of the cargo will have to find an alternative destination to unload it.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the decision had demonstrated Ukraine’s effective legal and diplomatic actions.
“This is also a clear signal to all other vessels, captains, operators, insurers, and governments: Do not buy stolen Ukrainian grain,” he said. “Do not become part of this crime.”
Ukraine will “continue to track this particular vessel and warn everyone against any operations with it,” he added.
Kyiv warns Israeli inaction could harm bilateral relations
“Friendly Ukrainian-Israeli relations have the potential to benefit both countries, and Russia’s illegal trade with stolen Ukrainian grain should not undermine them,” Sybiha said.
On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Israel for accepting what he said was grain stolen by Russia.
“This is not, and cannot be, legitimate business,” he said
Kyiv might resort to imposing sanctions against those attempting to profit from the practice, Zelensky said.
“Another vessel carrying such grain has arrived at a port in Israel and is preparing to unload,” he said, referring to an incident earlier this month in which a ship allegedly linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet” had docked at the Port of Haifa, prompting Ukraine to demand clarification from Israel.
On Monday, in a post on X/Twitter, Ukraine summoned the Israeli ambassador to Kyiv for clarification.
In response, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said diplomatic relations “are not conducted on Twitter.”
The issue would be examined, he said, adding that “Israel is a state that abides by the rule of law with independent law-enforcement authorities.”
Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.